Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3487

Caption

Relating to the creation of an instructional materials web portal by the commissioner of education.

Impact

The bill introduces significant amendments to the Texas Education Code, specifically in Chapter 31. It mandates a thorough evaluation of instructional materials provided by publishers, which must undergo an independent quality analysis to ensure they align with state educational standards. These analyses will then be published on the web portal, thereby enhancing the quality of instructional materials available to educators. This move is expected to provide clearer guidelines for schools in making informed decisions related to educational content.

Summary

House Bill 3487 relates to the establishment of an instructional materials web portal managed by the commissioner of education. This portal aims to assist school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in selecting appropriate instructional materials. Under the provisions of the bill, the portal will include essential information about each instructional material including price, specifications, and system requirements. Furthermore, it requires the commissioner to develop a competitive process for contracting the creation of the web portal, ensuring that the development process is transparent and equitable.

Contention

While the bill is primarily aimed at improving the selection process for instructional materials, there may be points of contention regarding the independence of the evaluations conducted by private entities. Concerns might arise around the criteria used for evaluation and the potential influence of publishers on the content quality assessments. Additionally, the definition of open educational resources within the portal may lead to discussions on what constitutes appropriate material for educational settings, including controversies over content accessibility and suitability.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2565

Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and creating allotments for the procurement of certain instructional materials under the Foundation School Program; authorizing a fee.

TX HB1605

Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and the extension of additional state aid to school districts for the provision of certain instructional materials; authorizing a fee.

TX HB4097

Relating to the acceptable uses of the instructional materials and technology fund and the review of certain instructional materials by the State Board of Education.

TX SB8

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.

TX HB5261

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.

TX HB1804

Relating to the instructional material list and supplemental instructional materials adopted by the State Board of Education.

TX SB2089

Relating to the instructional material list and supplemental instructional materials adopted by the State Board of Education.

TX SB77

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials.

TX HB890

Relating to parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

Similar Bills

TX SB1481

Relating to the instructional materials and technology allotment, open education resource instructional materials, and the State Board of Education long-range technology plan.

TX HB4140

Relating to the instructional materials and technology allotment, open education resource instructional materials, and the State Board of Education long-range technology plan.

TX SB6

Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, and the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools.

TX HB6

Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools, and the administration of state assessment instruments to public school students.

TX SB6

TX SB1784

Relating to open-source instructional material for public schools.